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Average Firefighters Salary in Ohio

Firefighters in Ohio earn an impressive average annual salary of $59,170, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation is often influenced by a combination of factors including the state's specific demands for emergency services, regional economic conditions, and the overall cost of living within Ohio.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,160.
  • Outlook: Ohio presents a robust job market for firefighters, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 18,750 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 57% higher than the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for firefighting professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,170

The average Firefighters in Ohio earns+36.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.5

Weekly

$1,138

Monthly

$4,931

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Ohio

Salary progression for firefighters in Ohio typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with years of service, specialized training, and leadership roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,420$17
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$44,378$21.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$59,470$28.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$73,963$35.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$87,160$41.9

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$65,165

Adjusted for COL (90.8)

The average firefighter salary of $59,170 in Ohio offers considerable purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary translates to a higher effective standard of living for firefighters residing in Ohio compared to many other parts of the country.

Job Market Context

18,750

Total Jobs

3.394

Per 1K Jobs

1.57

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Ohio has 1.6x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.57, Ohio's job market for firefighters is notably concentrated compared to the national landscape. This suggests that the demand for firefighters in Ohio is relatively high, making it a potentially advantageous state for those seeking employment in this critical public service role, and indicating a competitive but accessible market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Mansfield, OH Firefighters Salary$48,500↓ 18%29 mi
Columbus, OH Firefighters Salary$71,590↑ 21%32 mi
Springfield, OH Firefighters Salary$43,760↓ 26%63 mi
Sandusky, OH Firefighters Salary$50,040↓ 15%73 mi
Lima, OH Firefighters Salary$54,990↓ 7%75 mi

Comparing salaries near Ohio

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Ohio?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Ohio is $59,170. This typically ranges from $35,420 for entry-level positions to $87,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ohio is 36.4% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Ohio a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Ohio is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Ohio earn significantly above the national average salary, and the state's cost of living is below the national average, enhancing their purchasing power.

Is Ohio a good place to live for Firefighters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ohio?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mansfield, OH ($48,500) and Columbus, OH.

How does Ohio's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Ohio earn an average of $59,170 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Ohio compared to the rest of the US?

Ohio has a higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.57, indicating a strong presence and demand for the profession.

Does the cost of living in Ohio affect the firefighter salary?

Yes, Ohio's cost of living index is 90.8, which is below the national average. This means the $59,170 salary provides a relatively strong purchasing power for residents.

How many firefighters are employed in Ohio?

There are approximately 18,750 firefighters employed within the state of Ohio, reflecting a significant workforce in this sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,750 employees in the Ohio area with a job density of 3.394 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ohio